Pegaptanib sodium for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Background: Pegaptanib sodium, the first aptamer therapeutic approved for use and the first antiangiogenic agent used to treat ocular neovascular disease, acts by inhibiting the 165 isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor believed primarily responsible for pathologic ocular neovascularization and vascular permeability. Objective: To briefly present the pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety, and role of pegaptanib in treating ocular neovascular diseases. Methods: A systematic literature review and synopsis. Results/conclusion: After more than 10 years in development, clinical trials have shown pegaptanib efficacy in treating choroidal neovascularization of age-related macular degeneration. Its excellent ocular and systemic safety profiles have been confirmed in up to 3 years of experience. Early phase, well-controlled studies also suggest therapeutic benefit in diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.

Keywords::

• age-related macular degeneration
• aptamer
• choroidal neovascularization
• pegaptanib
• vascular endothelial growth factor

Acknowledgments

Editorial support, including contributing to the development of the manuscript and styling the paper for journal submission, was provided by Dr Linda Whetter of Zola Associates and was funded by (OSI) Eyetech and Pfizer, Inc.

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